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Cost of Living in Denver

If you're moving to Denver, understanding the the cost of living in Denver helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
|-Cost of Living in Denver

Apartment Rentals The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Denver is $1,400 per month. Two-bedroom apartments average around $1,700 per month.
Apartment Purchases The median home value in Denver is $420,000. The median list price per square foot is $323.
Transportation The average cost of a monthly bus pass in Denver is $99. The average cost of a monthly light rail pass is $112.
Groceries The average cost of groceries for a family of four in Denver is $1,000 per month.
Restaurants The average cost of a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant in Denver is $50.
Utilities The average cost of utilities for a 915-square-foot apartment in Denver is $150 per month.
Private School Tuition The average cost of tuition for preschool in Denver is $7,000 per year. The average cost of tuition for elementary school is $10,000 per year. The average cost of tuition for middle school is $12,000 per year. The average cost of tuition for high school is $15,000 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Denver

“The cost of living in Denver is generally considered to be higher than the national average. Housing costs are particularly high, with the median home price in the city being significantly higher than the national median. Groceries, transportation, and utilities are also more expensive than the national average. Additionally, the city has a higher sales tax rate than the national average,” said one expat living in Denver.

Can I live in Denver on $1,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Denver for quite some time now, and I can tell you that it’s possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find a place to live that’s affordable. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods like Cherry Creek, LoDo, and Capitol Hill might be out of your budget. Instead, consider looking for a place in more affordable neighborhoods like Lakewood, Aurora, or Westminster. You might have to settle for a smaller apartment or even consider having a roommate to split the rent.Next, you’ll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Owning a car in Denver can be expensive, especially when you factor in insurance, gas, and parking. Instead, consider using public transportation like the light rail or buses. Denver has a pretty good public transportation system, and you can save a lot of money by using it instead of owning a car.When it comes to groceries and eating out, you’ll need to be budget-conscious. Shopping at discount grocery stores like Aldi or King Soopers can help you save money on groceries. As for eating out, you’ll probably need to limit how often you do it and look for more affordable options when you do. Denver has a lot of great, inexpensive restaurants, so you won’t have to sacrifice too much on quality.Entertainment can also be a significant expense, so you’ll need to be creative in finding low-cost or free activities. Luckily, Denver has a lot of free or low-cost events and attractions, like the Denver Art Museum, which offers free admission on the first Saturday of every month, or the many beautiful parks and hiking trails in the area.In summary, living on $1,500 a month in Denver is possible, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, being budget-conscious with groceries and eating out, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work,” commented an expat living in Denver.

Can I live in Denver on $3,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Denver for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. First, you’ll want to look for housing in more affordable neighborhoods. Some areas I’d recommend are Capitol Hill, Baker, and West Colfax. These neighborhoods have a mix of older and newer buildings, so you can find something that fits your budget. I’d avoid neighborhoods like Cherry Creek and LoDo, as they tend to be more expensive.When it comes to transportation, you might want to consider using public transit instead of owning a car. Denver has a pretty good public transportation system, and it can save you a lot of money on gas, insurance, and parking. Plus, it’s more environmentally friendly.As for dining and entertainment, you’ll probably have to be more selective about where you go and how often you go out. There are plenty of affordable restaurants and bars in Denver, but you’ll want to avoid the more upscale places if you’re trying to stick to a budget. You can also take advantage of the many free or low-cost events and activities that the city has to offer, like outdoor movies in the park during the summer or free days at the museums.One thing to keep in mind is that the cost of living in Denver has been rising in recent years, so you might find that your money doesn’t go as far as it used to. However, if you’re willing to make some sacrifices and be smart about your spending, you can definitely make it work on $3,000 a month. Good luck,” said one expat living in Denver.

Can I live in Denver on $5,000 a month?

“I’ve been living in Denver for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices in terms of location and housing options. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods like Cherry Creek, LoDo, and Hilltop might be out of your budget if you’re looking for a larger or more luxurious place. But there are plenty of more affordable neighborhoods that still offer a great quality of life.For example, I live in the Baker neighborhood, which is just south of downtown. It’s a really cool area with lots of restaurants, bars, and shops within walking distance. The rent here is more reasonable than in some of the more upscale neighborhoods, and you can find a nice one or two-bedroom apartment for around $1,500 to $2,000 a month. Other neighborhoods to consider are Capitol Hill, Congress Park, and Washington Park. These areas are all relatively close to downtown and have a good mix of housing options, from apartments to single-family homes.In terms of other expenses, you’ll find that groceries, utilities, and transportation costs are pretty reasonable in Denver. I spend about $300 a month on groceries, $100 on utilities, and $150 on transportation (I use public transit and occasionally rent a car). That leaves me with plenty of money left over for dining out, entertainment, and other discretionary expenses.One sacrifice you might have to make is giving up a car, especially if you want to live in a more walkable neighborhood. Parking can be expensive and difficult to find in some areas, and the cost of car ownership (including insurance, maintenance, and gas) can add up quickly. However, Denver has a pretty good public transportation system, and there are plenty of bike lanes and trails if you prefer to get around on two wheels.Overall, I think you’ll find that living in Denver on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, and you won’t have to give up too many modern amenities to make it work. Just be prepared to spend some time researching neighborhoods and housing options to find the best fit for your budget and lifestyle,” commented an expat living in Denver.

Joshua WoodJoshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

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